On this day of Vishu/Baisakhi/Bihu/Pohela Boisakh/Puthandu, it is important to revisit our past to understand a common thread.

Chola Dynasty – Undenailbly the greatest ever Hindu Kingdom in our subcontinent, close to 900 years rule from 300 CE to 1200 CE. The greatest of them all was King Raja Raja Chola (A great Shiv Bhakt), he built exemplary temples dedicated to Art, Literature Science etc, Thanjavur Brihadeshwara Temple is an Example. Cholas had the most powerful Navy at that point on EARTH. Sangam Culture was at its peak during the Chola era, based out of Kaveri Delta they influenced – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Orrisa, Andhra, Bihar, Bengal, Assam, Bangladesh, Manyamar, Thailand, Malaysia , Srilanka, Jakrata, Sumatra, and Polynesia.

From Kaveri Delta to Ganga Delta they had a major influence on every aspect of human life backed by their Navy and Knowledge. So much was the influence that Vikaram samvat based on Surya Sidhnata- Official Calander of Hindus (Established by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain; renowned for Solar Observatory, in the 6th Century) is being used even today.

Khalsa founded by Guru Gobind Singh (birthplace Patna, a place of great learning those days) Influenced by the same Sangam culture kept the Khalsa Sthapna divas coinciding with this Harvest Festival/new year day/Baisakhi.

These festivals have grown over the years with local variations enhancing the essence, however, the common thread remains – RajaRaja Chola the great Shiv Bhakt. Har Har Mahadev!!! Happy Baisakhi.